Bradford -- the No. 1 overall pick in the 2010 draft -- excelled as a first-year starter, winning Rookie of the Year honors while nearly leading the Rams back to the postseason.

In his second year, the quarterback suffered a high ankle sprain in a Week 6 game against the Green Bay Packers and was never the same. He missed six games, and looked uncomfortable when he attempted to return to the field. Taking part in organized team activities this week, Bradford said the ankle remains a work in progress.

"It's getting there," Bradford told reporters Wednesday, according to ESPN.com. "It seems to feel better every week. Less soreness, more things I can do, so I think it's definitely on track."

Of course, "it's getting there" isn't exactly what Rams fans want to hear as training camp lurks on the horizon. Bradford first injured the ankle seven months ago, then repeatedly restarted the recovery clock by attempting to play at less than full strength.

Bradford is practicing with the Rams, a sign the lingering injury isn't perceived as a serious issue at this time. Week 1 remains a long way off, but will the Rams regret their decision not to shut down their franchise star earlier?